Brad Dodson
Owner / Studio Potter

Brad grew up immersed in the world of pottery, or as he likes to call it, playing in clay. His parents, John and Sybil Dodson, opened the first Mud Dabbers shop in Brevard in 1988. Some of Brad's first creations were hand-sculpted gnomes called Brandons, which he sold while attending college at Appalachian State. An avid runner throughout his school years, Brad earned his first degree in physical education. After graduating, however, his passion for working in clay led him to enroll in the Professional Crafts program at Haywood Community College with an emphasis in clay, where he honed his talents and gained the skills necessary to market his craft.

In 1997, Brad opened his own Mud Dabbers location in Balsam, North Carolina, within walking distance of his home. He continues to specialize in hand-built pieces ranging from functional to sculptural. His Brandons have grown into a collectible series dubbed Appalachian Climbing Gnomes. Years of living in the mountains have given him a fascination with the archetypal mountain man, which he expresses in his Hill Spirit series of jugs, masks, and mugs, all featuring unique, handsculpted faces inspired by the idea of the rugged man of the mountains. All Brad's pieces communicate a sense of character and lightheartedness, which stems from the joy Brad finds in his work.

When not making pottery, Brad enjoys spending time with his wife, Judy, and their two daughters. He still loves running and serves as a cross-country coach for local students during his spare time.